Children's reading events planned

Friday

Sep 20, 2013 at 8:42 AMSep 20, 2013 at 8:42 AM

By Christy Hart-Harrischarris@thedailyreporter.com

COLDWATER — The Coldwater branch of the Branch District Library will be hosting several reading events this month.Residents are invited to bring their children — ages 3 and up — to the third floor Kids' Place on Saturday at 1 p.m. for a reading and signing of Colleen Vance's book "The Flip-Flop Family."The story follows the adventures of a family of flip-flops after they wake up from their winter nap.Vance grew up in Coldwater, graduating from Coldwater High School in 1970 and the University of Michigan in 1974. She was a social worker for 38 years ans currently resides in Ann Arbor with her husband. "This delightful picture book has an interesting story line, unique and fanciful characters and is beautifully illustrated in rich and vibrant colors. Children will feel gratified at the conclusion of the story when the characters are reunited in the end. It is also a fun book to read aloud with the alliteration of the characters' names — Felix, Frank, Frannie, Fannie, Fern and Freddie — not to mention the Flip-Flop Family," said one online Amazon customer review.On Monday at 1:30 p.m. children and adults alike are invited for the Michigan Reads Author Visit. Children's author Leslie Helakoski will be reading her book "Woolbur.""Woolbur" is a story about a sheep unlike any other sheep. He is friends with wild dogs and cards his own wool that he dyes blue. Woolbur's grandpa encourages him to be different — and soon the flock begins to follow Woolbur's ways.A description of the book from Amazon states the book is "Spunky, funky and refreshingly distinct. 'Woolbur' will strike a chord with anyone who's ever felt different. And that's all of us."Helakoski will be available for pictures and book signing after the reading. The program is sponsored by Target, the Library of Michigan Foundation, HarperCollins Publishers and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.Helakoski is the author of many other children’s books, including "Big Chickens" and "Doggone Feet!"The press release further states, "(Helakoski) wrote 'Woolbur' in honor of the free-spirited children in her life who have inspired her to think differently."Originally from Louisiana, she remembers as a child, "When I dreamed of doing something, I was told 'Of course you can do it!' Helakoski now lives in southern Michigan and still likes to hang around with people who tell her, 'Of course you can do it' now and then."On Sept. 28 from 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. "Johnny Appleseed" will be read in celebration of the legend's birthday and legacy. Children ages 3 to 12 — accompanied by an adult — are welcome to partake in special crafts and other special surprises. All crafts are available as supplies last.For more information contact the library at 278-2341.